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November 18, 2024 | 07:42 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Did you know that Singapore is often called “the fine city”? Not the “fine” as in its well-maintained cityscape, but rather its strict laws that can get you fined for anything. These strict laws include littering, for which offenders can be fined up to S$1,000.
Foreigners may find Singaporeans rigid, but this legislation has at least contributed to the city-state’s reputation as one of the best in the world for cleanliness and green aspects, according to the Time Out Index survey.
Not to mention, Singapore is often praised for its effective waste management. The country even has a designated island, Semakau Island, to manage the population’s waste.
Let's take a look at Semakau Island’s role in Singapore's waste management.
About Semakau Island
Citing Singapore's National Environment Agency, Semakau Island serves as the city-state's only landfill. The island is situated around 8 km off Singapore’s southern coast and covers an area of 350 hectares.
The construction of the island began in 1995 and took 4 years for S$610 million. Soon after, in 1999, Semakau Island commenced operation, managing non-incineration waste and ash from incineration plants. To ensure its self-sustainability, the landfill is equipped with a multitude of ancillary facilities.
Later, in January 2014, the island underwent a major development that was completed in July 2015. The so-called Phase II of construction involved the conversion of the remaining 157 hectares of enclosed sea space into a giant landfill cell.
Given the advanced waste management system, many assume that Semakau Island will hold waste indefinitely. In fact, according to Singapore's Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the landfill still has its maximum capacity for waste disposal. Regardless, Semakau Island is expected to meet the population's need for landfill space until at least 2035.
The Waste Disposal Process in Semakau Island
How is the waste disposed of on Semakau Island? Citing Singapore's National Environment Agency, the dumping process is as follows:
Upon arrival at the Semakau Landfill, the barge berths at the enclosed transfer building. The tugboat then disconnects and returns to TMTS with an empty barge.
The solid waste from the barge is unloaded by large excavators and soon placed on a 35-ton payload off-road dump truck.
Any non-incineration waste and incineration ash are carried by dump trucks to either the Floating Platform or the Phase I landfill cell.
The dump truck with incinerator ash travels to the Floating Platform for direct discharge, while non-incineration waste is transported to the Phase I landfill cell for conventional landfilling.
Each cell is covered with a layer of soil after it is filled to ground level. Subsequently, grass and trees take root to form a green landscape. A new tipping cell is activated by sealing off the concrete pipes that connect the cell to the sea. An empty space is created where solid waste is dumped.
Activities on Semakau Island
Despite being the city-state’s main landfill space, Semakau Island still offers opportunities for some educational and recreational activities. The island is home to a variety of coastal and marine biodiversity coupled with sets of mangroves and wildlife.
Let’s find out about some fun activities you can do while on Semakau Island, as highlighted by Singapore's National Environment Agency:
1. Birdwatching
Semakau Island is home to numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. There are approximately 66 species of aves, including migratory, shorebirds, and forest birds.
2. Intertidal Walks
Explore the vibrant tidal flats of Semakau Island during low tide. These habitats are rich in marine biodiversity, with colorful starfish, crabs, and shrimp often visible. This activity also allows you to marvel at Semakau’s vast mangroves and coral reefs.
3. Educational Tour
A visit to Semakau Island wouldn’t be complete without understanding its innovative waste management system. You can engage in an educational tour to learn about the landfill’s waste management, design, and operation.
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